Abstract
Amgen is probably the most financially successful US biotechnology company. Its products are based upon recombinant versions of a number of important growth and differentiation factors including erythropoietin (EPO) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The importance of these products and the patenting strategy used by Amgen to protect its sales are discussed. From an analysis of Amgen's patents, it can be seen that a number of novel growth and differentiation factors are likely to be appearing on the market soon. These include a novel interferon megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF), and the neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). Of particular interest is the development of products related to the ob gene leptin, the rights of which have recently been acquired by Amgen.
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